What happened: Como director Carlalberto Ludi told reporters the club will try to keep Argentine playmaker Nico Paz at the Stadio Sinigaglia for another season, per Fabrizio Romano. The comments come amid persistent links between Paz and his parent club Real Madrid, who hold a buy-back option on the 21-year-old. Como's stance reinforces sporting director messaging from earlier this week.

Why it matters: Paz has been Como's creative engine in their first Serie A campaign back in the top flight, and losing him would leave a major hole in Cesc Fabregas's attacking core. Real Madrid's reported buy-back clauses give them leverage that could override Como's preference, making the club's public posture as much about negotiation as intent. Keeping Paz another year would signal Como's ambition to consolidate as a mid-table Serie A side rather than a development feeder.

What to watch: Watch for Real Madrid's stance once their season concludes and whether Paz himself signals a preference. Como's transfer window posture in June will reveal how firm Ludi's commitment is.